"It’s one thing to be 'confident' when you have only yourself to let down. It’s a different animal entirely when you have a group of people who are looking to you for guidance."
“You have to get your reps in.”
“You have to get your reps in.”
“You’ve got to get your shots up.”
“Shooters shoot.”
It’s an age-old adage akin to the idea of visualizing a target or practicing a dance routine over and over. I’m sure people appear to have been born with confidence and unwavering self-assurance, but like any other muscle, confidence can be—and is often—reinforced through enough exercise. What do I mean exactly? Well, lift enough heavy weights and your muscles will grow and strengthen. Growth is a natural byproduct of work. Unfortunately, this work will require resistance… setbacks… failures…losses.
You’ve gotta get your reps in, though. It’s that simple. Please don’t be confused by what I’m saying. It isn’t a matter of stating that you’re confident; if only it were that easy. It’s one thing to be “confident” when you have only yourself to let down. It’s a different animal entirely when you have a group of people who are looking to you for guidance.
In my past, I’ve shirked my fair share of responsibilities. I’ve run from the call. In the past, there was an instance or two when I was so afraid of the moment—I was so afraid of the responsibility—that I made like the Avatar and just disappeared. [If that reference went over your head, click here.]
That was me then. This is me now. I’m not running anymore because I’ve built up some of that confidence I mentioned earlier. I’ve been placed in so many situations where I had to lead people, defend people, stand up for what’s right, go against popular opinion, resist. My friends and family say I’m anti… that’s probably true, but more importantly, I’m a proponent of what’s right and a defender of the little guy. I want to be very clear about something, though: Just because I had the opportunities I mentioned before, doesn’t mean I succeeded every single time.
ABSOULUTELY NOT...
I’ve failed. A lot. That doesn’t make me weak. Failure isn’t weakness. Failure is the exact opposite. Failure is the precursor to strength and it’s an opportunity to grow. You cannot build muscle without breaking down the weaker fibers and forcing them to grow. Where do you think the phrase, “train until muscular failure comes from?” If you miss a shot, you have the chance to figure out why you missed that shot, and recalibrate. If I made a decision that negatively impacted a group of people, my favorite part is standing in that “disappointment” and owning it. Not many people can stand in the spotlight and admit that they f##### up. It’s easy for people to point their fingers and ridicule others when things go wrong, but those are typically the same people who lack the gumption to do what needs to be done. When things go right… well, it wasn’t the leadership that was provided; that’s unfortunately overlooked far too often. Things are just expected to go right. It’s an unfortunate reality, but such is life. I digress.
Get your reps in.
Get your shots up.
Shoot.
Again…
and again.
